Stripped to its essentials, the Artillery reduces the classic gin-and-vermouth template to a generous measure of gin, a teaspoon of sweet vermouth, and two dashes of bitters. Stirred over ice and strained into a cocktail glass, it emerges bone-dry and powerfully botanical, with the vermouth and bitters functioning more as seasoning than as equal partners. At roughly 29 percent alcohol by volume, it ranks among the stronger members of the martini family. Its clarity and intensity are its defining traits, offering little to soften the prominence of the gin.
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Artillery
Malzemeler
- Sweet Vermouth 1 1/2 tsp
- Gin 1 1/2 oz
- Bitters 2 dashes
Talimatlar
Stir all ingredients with ice, strain into a cocktail glass, and serve.
The Artillery is a minimalist gin cocktail that strips the classic gin vermouth format down to its essence — a large measure of gin with just a small amount of sweet vermouth and two dashes of bitters, producing a bone-dry and powerfully botanical drink. At 29.08% ABV, it is one of the stronger variations in the martini family and is not for the faint of heart. Stirred and strained, its clarity and intensity are its defining characteristics.
History & Origins
The Artillery is a vintage cocktail from the classic American bar era, appearing in early 20th century cocktail guides alongside other spirit-forward gin drinks. Its origin is disputed, though the name reflects the booming, percussive strength of the drink, consistent with the practice of naming cocktails after weapons and military terms that was common in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It belongs to the dry gin cocktail tradition that preceded the modern ultra-dry martini.
Tasting Notes
Aroma: Strong juniper and botanical aromatics from the gin dominate, with a faint herbal sweetness from the vermouth and a spicy complexity from the bitters. Palate: Assertive and gin-forward; the botanical intensity of the gin is barely tempered by the small amount of sweet vermouth, and the bitters add a pleasantly sharp, complex edge. Finish: Long, warming, and intensely botanical.
Pro Tip
Stir with a large piece of ice for at least 30 seconds to achieve adequate dilution without over-watering this high-proof drink.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is in the Artillery cocktail?
The Artillery cocktail combines gin with sweet vermouth and aromatic bitters, producing approximately 29.08% ABV. This spirit-forward formula places it firmly in the stirred cocktail tradition alongside drinks like the Martini and the Manhattan, with the bitters adding complexity to the gin-vermouth base.
How does the Artillery differ from a Martini?
The Artillery uses sweet vermouth rather than the dry vermouth typical of a modern Martini, giving it a sweeter, more herbal character similar to a Gin Manhattan. The addition of bitters further deepens the complexity, making the Artillery more reminiscent of a classic early 20th-century cocktail than a contemporary Martini.
Why is it called the Artillery cocktail?
The name Artillery likely derives from cocktail culture's tradition of naming strong, punchy drinks after powerful or forceful imagery. At nearly 30% ABV and with a spirit-dominant recipe, the drink delivers a bold impact consistent with its militaristic name, though no specific documented origin connects it to a particular bartender or event.
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